June 25:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Tuesday that Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has been selected to become the first Indian to travel to the International Space Station (ISS). Describing the development as a proud moment for the country, the Prime Minister said Shukla is “carrying the aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians.”
Shukla, a senior officer in the Indian Air Force, is set to join an upcoming mission to the ISS as part of India’s collaboration with the United States in the field of space exploration. The mission, expected to take place in 2025, is the result of growing cooperation between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and NASA.
The announcement comes after recent agreements between India and the US to strengthen partnerships in science and technology, particularly in space research and human spaceflight training. Under this initiative, Indian astronauts are undergoing specialized training with NASA in preparation for joint missions.
“This mission highlights India’s advancing capabilities in space and our commitment to contributing to global scientific efforts,” said the Prime Minister. He added that the selection of an Indian astronaut for the ISS is not only a personal achievement for Shukla but also a major step for India’s space ambitions.
India’s only previous human spaceflight occurred in 1984, when Rakesh Sharma flew aboard a Soviet spacecraft. Shukla’s journey to the ISS will mark India’s first participation in a mission to a space station, expanding its presence in international space programs.
The mission is expected to support India’s broader goals in human spaceflight, including ISRO’s Gaganyaan program and its long-term vision to develop a national space station in the coming years. Training for the mission includes simulations, emergency procedures, and coordination exercises with international teams.
Further details, including final crew selection and the exact launch schedule, will be announced closer to the mission timeline. Officials have confirmed that preparations are progressing smoothly.
The inclusion of an Indian astronaut in an ISS mission underscores India’s growing global role in space science and represents an important milestone for ISRO and its international partnerships.
